Rote Maaß, Stone circle in Damp, Germany.
The Rote Maaß is a stone circle in northern Germany featuring nine granite boulders arranged in a circular formation with alignments toward cardinal points. Rectangular stone settings surround the central area, adding to the sense of deliberate placement and design.
The stone circle dates to the post-Christian period between the 2nd and 4th centuries. It lay hidden until 1964, when it was found in a forest clearing during archaeological work in the region.
The stone formation shows signs of being used as a gathering place by ancient communities, with the arranged boulders suggesting organized meetings. The layout of the blocks and adjacent stone features gives a sense of how people gathered here for communal purposes.
The site sits within a forested area and is accessible by marked paths that are easy to follow. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time to walk around the stones to view them from different angles.
The name Maaß may derive from an ancient Germanic language, potentially meaning gathering place or marshland. This interpretation remains debated among scholars and continues to spark archaeological discussion.
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